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[vijay]

Hi,
Need help with COBOL 6

I've the below field definition

[Spolacek]

Hello Vijay

I've seen situations like the one you described where an IF NUMERIC test returns different results from one version of COBOL to another. In most cases, the different results can be traced back to the settings of the following compiler options:

NUMPROC
ZONEDATA

(And possibly ZWB)

In version 6, the default for NUMPROC and ZONEDATA is PFD. In prior versions, the default is NOPFD.

What this means is that, for programs compiled under earlier versions of COBOL, the compiler generated object code to ensure that the appropriate sign was present in numeric fields. By default, version 6 compiles assume that the preferred sign is present and doesn't generate object code to ensure that this is the case. Therefore, it is quite possible that a program compiled under an earlier version of COBOL would deem the value to be Numeric (because the compiler generated object code to ensure the appropriate sign is present), whereas a program compiled under version 6 would not. Keep in mind that the IF NUMERIC test includes confirming that the sign in the data corresponds to the sign in the Picture clause.

I suggest you consult a compile listing of your program generated under the prior version of COBOL and note the settings for NUMPROC and ZONEDATA. Then specify those setting for your compile under version 6 and then run a test and see if you get the results you expect.

If your shop has a product such as Endevor which hard-codes the compiler options, you can override them for your program by adding a CBL card to the source code above the IDENTIFICATION DIVISION statement. For example:

CBL NUMPROC(NOPFD) ZONEDATA(NOPFD)

[kolusu]

vijay,

Use meaningful topics (don't use the language/forum name/PGM name for the topic). Use a descriptive Title to explain your problem. I have edited the title of the topic for you. From next time please follow the rules.

Spolacek has provided the right inputs. Apart from checking the obvious compiler options shouldn't your numeric test be done the alphanumeric item instead of the numeric edited item?

Shouldn't the check be